Lewis v. United States

518 U.S. 322 (1996)

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Lewis v. United States

United States Supreme Court
518 U.S. 322 (1996)

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Facts

Lewis (defendant) was charged with two counts of obstructing the mail. Each count carried a maximum prison sentence of six months. Lewis requested a jury trial. The United States (plaintiff) moved for a bench trial. A federal magistrate judge denied a jury trial with the explanation that she would not sentence Lewis to more than six months in any event. Lewis petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review on grounds that he was entitled to a jury trial under the Sixth Amendment.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (O’Connor, J.)

Concurrence (Kennedy, J.)

Dissent (Stevens, J.)

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